Traffic Alert: Pre-Construction Work on Redwood Tower Beginning Downtown

New mid-rise buildings for offices and retail businesses will soon be popping up downtown near Theatre Way and the Caltrain station.

To be called "Redwood Tower," the development will be located adjacent to the Caltrain station on the site of the Middlefield Road parking lot, opening up to Theatre Way.

What does this mean? Traffic downtown may get a bit tricky during construction.

According to a news release sent out by the City of Redwood City Tuesday, "pre-construction" on Redwood Tower has already begun this week.

Yellow construction fencing was put into place this week at the intersection of Middlefield Road and Winslow Street near the Middlefield Road parking lot and Theatre Way.

"This marks the beginning of work to relocate an underground storm culvert, in preparation for next year's construction of Redwood Tower, the next great milestone project in downtown Redwood City," the release read.

The City assured everyone in its news release that all shops, businesses and restaurants on Theatre Way will remain open during all phases of construction. However, there will be some closed-off sections and detours in the area as construction takes place.

The culvert relocation work will continue into the spring of 2013, to be followed by the actual Redwood Tower construction.

IMMEDIATE TRAFFIC/ROAD CHANGES TAKING EFFECT

• Theatre Way is now pedestrian-only, and there is no through-traffic for vehicles on Middlefield/Winslow. Pedestrians will have full access.
• Motorists are advised to be aware of detours, signage and heavy equipment in the area.
• Parking is encouraged in the Jefferson Avenue underground garage, Marshall Street garage, Sequoia Station underground garage, or the Middlefield Road parking lot (but enter the Middlefield lot only from the entrance near Jefferson).

The City's statement added, "Redwood City apologizes for any disruption, dirt, and noise. The good news is that this is the beginning of the next great milestone project, and the end result will be something that the entire community can be proud of."

More information and updates on this project can be seen online at www.redwoodcity.org/RedwoodTower. 

PATCH WANTS TO KNOW - What do you think about the forthcoming Redwood Tower? Do you think the traffic detours will make it difficult to visit downtown and Theatre Way? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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